Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has dismissed claims that the government has sanctioned or carried out abductions during President William Ruto's administration, insisting that no enforced disappearances have occurred under the current government.
Speaking during a public engagement, Omollo maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitutional rights of all Kenyans.
He said security agencies operate strictly within the law and that any arrests conducted by law enforcement officers follow established legal procedures.
The Principal Secretary's remarks come amid continued public debate and criticism from opposition leaders, human rights organizations, and civil society groups over allegations of enforced disappearances and unlawful arrests linked to security operations in different parts of the country.
According to Omollo, the government has never adopted abductions as a security strategy and remains focused on maintaining peace and protecting citizens while respecting human rights.
He urged Kenyans to distinguish between lawful police operations and allegations that have not been substantiated through official investigations.
"There have been no abductions under President William Ruto's administration," Omollo said, adding that individuals suspected of committing criminal offences are processed through the country's criminal justice system in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
He noted that Kenya's security agencies are accountable to the law and are subject to oversight by independent institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the courts.
According to the PS, any officer found to have acted outside the law would face appropriate disciplinary or legal action.
Omollo also called on members of the public and political leaders to avoid making blanket accusations against security agencies without credible evidence.
He argued that such claims risk undermining public confidence in institutions tasked with maintaining law and order.
His comments come as rights groups continue to express concern over reports of individuals allegedly going missing after being picked up by people believed to be security officers.
Some families have claimed their relatives disappeared under unclear circumstances, prompting demands for independent investigations and accountability.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the government to investigate all reported cases of disappearances and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted.
They have maintained that every allegation deserves a transparent inquiry to establish the facts and provide justice for affected families.
Opposition leaders have also questioned the government's handling of the reports, accusing security agencies of targeting critics and protesters.
They have called for greater transparency in police operations and stronger protection of civil liberties guaranteed under the Constitution.
The government has consistently rejected allegations that it is behind enforced disappearances, maintaining that security agencies conduct operations within the confines of the law.
Officials have argued that in cases where individuals are arrested, they are presented before court as required by legal procedures.
Omollo reiterated that the government's priority remains protecting the lives and property of all Kenyans while combating crime, terrorism, and other security threats facing the country.
He said security officers have continued to record significant successes in maintaining stability despite evolving security challenges.
The Interior PS further emphasized that public cooperation with security agencies is essential in enhancing national security.
He encouraged citizens to report criminal activities through established channels and to seek clarification from relevant authorities whenever concerns arise regarding police operations.
His remarks are expected to fuel further debate over the issue of enforced disappearances, which has remained a subject of national discussion in recent months.
While the government insists that security agencies operate within the law, rights groups continue to call for independent investigations into reported cases and greater accountability where violations are alleged.
As the debate continues, attention is likely to remain focused on the government's response to concerns raised by families, civil society organizations, and oversight institutions.
The outcome of ongoing investigations into reported disappearances, where applicable, will be closely watched as Kenya seeks to balance national security with the protection of human rights and constitutional freedoms.